by Lindsay Clark

Created on: March 04, 2009

Just One Day? You silly person. Why did you not plan a longer trip? I applaud you for considering Florence as a travel destination, but the first word of wisdom I must pass on is the following: Florence is a mindset, a masterpiece, and simply perfection. You need at least three days to soak that goodness in.

I've lived in Florence as a student and a resident and found many of its highlights through wandering, researching, word of mouth, and following my gut instinct. Maximize the pleasures the Renaissance can induce with this succulent recipe for a one day excursion.

Climb the Duomo's cupola as early as possible

Meander through the Piazza della Signoria and Loggia di
Lanzi before the tour groups infiltrate

Visit the Uffizi during your pre-scheduled morning time slot

Cross the Ponte Vecchio and flock to Piazza Santo Spirito
for the market and a Gusta-lunch outdoors

Check out the Orgofrutticolo to buy some water and wine and enjoy a pick-up game of melon soccer

Wander the Boboli Gardens or, more importantly, the rose garden and sit with your bottle of wine

Napping in the rose garden is highly encouraged and very in sync with local culture

Scale the nearby steps towards Piazzale Michelangelo and click your shutter at the sunset over the city

Smell your way to Vivoli for some top notch gelato on an empty stomach

Walk off the sweet calories in the city center's streets and find Il Porcellino for a good nose rub

Ask any old city worker for a good hole in the wall place for a Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine steak) off the tourist track

Grab a drink at Friend's Pub or YAB it up all night long!

What a recipe for absolute enjoyment! But, what's the problem? You need more information on the who, what and where? Click here to view a guide of the Northern and Western districts (the Duomo, Accademia, and Dance Clubs). Peruse this article on the wonders of the
city's heart and its Eastern district (Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi and the Ponte
Vecchio).

And finally, allow me to introduce you to my former neighborhood, the most Italian of all districts in the city center. Some even call it the Florentine "ghetto."

Oltrarno

This area of Florence is by far my favorite because of its opportunities and atmosphere. Oltrarno means "beyond the Arno," which is the name of the river that runs through Florence. This area south of the Arno used to be the bad part of town, and though many still refer to it as the "ghetto," this title is deceiving. If you cross the Ponte Vecchio
going south, you will enter the

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